Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is a renowned institution dedicated to historical and contemporary design, operating as part of the Smithsonian Institution. Housed within the historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion on Museum Mile in New York City, it holds one of the world's most diverse and comprehensive collections of design objects. The museum's mission is to educate, inspire, and empower the public through the power of design, offering extensive exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives.

History

The museum's origins trace back to 1897, when sisters Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt, granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, founded the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration. It was initially established as a study collection for students of the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. In 1963, facing financial difficulties, the museum was threatened with closure but was saved through its acquisition by the Smithsonian Institution in 1968, becoming the first Smithsonian museum located outside Washington, D.C.. After a period in the Cooper Union Foundation Building, the institution moved to its permanent home in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion in 1976, reopening as the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. A major renovation led by architectural firm Gluckman Tang Architects and others from 2011 to 2014 modernized the facilities, leading to its rebranding as Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

Collections and exhibitions

The museum's permanent collection encompasses over 210,000 objects spanning 30 centuries, including significant holdings in drawings, prints, textiles, furniture, metalwork, and ceramics. Notable collections include the Henry Dreyfuss archive, the M. P. Verneuil design portfolio, and a vast array of wallpaper samples. It actively collects contemporary works, such as the digital font Cooper Hewitt designed by Chester Jenkins. Exhibitions often explore thematic connections between historical objects and modern practice; past shows have examined the work of designers like Charles and Ray Eames, the impact of the Bauhaus, and the role of design in addressing climate change. The museum also oversees the prestigious National Design Awards, established in 2000.

Building and location

The museum is located at 2 East 91st Street within the Andrew Carnegie Mansion, a Georgian-style residence completed in 1902 by architects Babb, Cook & Willard. The mansion is a designated New York City Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, situated within the Upper East Side Historic District. The 2014 renovation integrated modern exhibition spaces while preserving historic details, adding a new wing for visitor amenities and connecting the mansion to the adjacent Carnegie gardens. Its position on Fifth Avenue along Museum Mile places it near other major institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Education and public programs

The museum runs a wide array of educational initiatives aimed at diverse audiences, from K-12 students to professional designers. Key programs include the Smithsonian Design Master Class series, teen design fellowships, and educator workshops. A pioneering digital tool is the "Pen," a interactive stylus given to visitors to collect and create digital content from exhibitions. The museum's website offers extensive online resources, including collection databases, lesson plans aligned with Common Core standards, and virtual tours. Public programs feature lectures, symposia with figures like Paola Antonelli of MoMA, and hands-on design workshops that engage the local New York City community.

Governance and funding

As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum operates under the broader governance of the Smithsonian's Board of Regents. Day-to-day leadership is provided by Director Maria Nicanor, who succeeded Caroline Baumann. The museum is supported by a combination of federal appropriations to the Smithsonian, private donations, corporate sponsorships, and revenue from admissions, retail operations, and membership programs. Major support has come from entities like the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The board of trustees includes prominent figures from the design, business, and philanthropic sectors who guide fundraising and strategic planning.

Category:Design museums in the United States Category:Smithsonian Institution museums Category:Museums on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan Category:Museums established in 1897